BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) Practice Test 2026 - Free BMAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct statement regarding the process at the cathode during copper extraction is that copper ions are deposited onto the cathode as a result of electrolysis. During the electrolytic process used in the extraction of copper, the anode (the positive electrode) is made of impure copper, which dissolves into the solution, while copper ions are released. These copper ions migrate through the electrolyte to the cathode (the negative electrode), where they gain electrons and are deposited as pure metallic copper. This process effectively creates pure copper on the cathode as the extraction proceeds.

In this context, the cathode does not start as a pure piece of copper; it is instead a site for the deposition of copper, becoming purer as the reaction continues. The focus here is on the purification of copper via the deposition of copper ions, which ultimately leads to a buildup of pure copper at the cathode over time. This process is fundamental in electrochemical cells and significant in industrial applications, helping produce high-purity copper used in electrical applications and other fields.